Gemotions

The old bookstore, usually a haven, felt suffocating. He watched the woman, his newly-minted medical twin, browse the shelves with an effortless grace. He had been trying to find a good book for a while.

He felt a tightening in his throat. He saw her chat with the owner. The owner greeted her with a warm smile, something he hadn’t received in years. She discussed her favourite authors and discussed their connection, her words flowing freely.

He turned away, pretending to examine a shelf of dusty tomes. He wanted to scream. He knew, suddenly, that he would rather walk away. He was suddenly overwhelmed. She was better than him.